Management of a pediatric patient with dental anomalies and its effect on psychosocial status: a case report

Abstract

Managing multiple dental anomalies in the anterior region of the dental arch presents unique and complex challenges. This case report describes using a multidisciplinary approach to manage a child with not only a fused tooth with a supernumerary but also the presence of other supernumerary teeth in the same place. In this case, deviation from the standard management of a fused permanent anterior tooth, an anchor for aesthetics, by extracting it because of crown root complexity and allowing a supernumerary to erupt into its place made the difference in the successful outcome. However, this condition required multidisciplinary management that necessitated the involvement of the psychiatric department. Continuous assessment of the patient's psychosocial function using the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS) allowed appropriate guidance to manage the patient's behavior. This case report added a different perspective on managing a fused tooth with a supernumerary to the literature. It showed how dental aesthetics can have an adverse effect on children's psychology.